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Gwithian Towans Beach

Blasted by the breeze off the Atlantic, the magnificent beach at Gwithian Towans is always a colourful scene of windsurfers on the water blokarts on the beach and kites in the sky. Backed by sand dunes tufted with wild grass, at low tide there is a vast amount of sand to enjoy and large areas of rock pools and caves are uncovered which are great for kids to explore.

The beach is a favourite destination for surfers as the constant swell coming in from the ocean provides good all year round conditions. Common seals are a regular sight near the beach and the area is a breeding ground for colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and cormorants. The Sunset Surf beachside café and bar overlooks the beach and is open all year, serving locally sourced, seasonal ingredients wherever possible and nearby the Jam Pot Café and Shop, a former 19th century coastguard lookout, is where you can enjoy home cooked snacks and be distracted by the stunningly natural views out over St Ives Bay.

Access to the beach is along a path through the sand dunes from the car park. Large areas of rock pools, which are great for kids to explore, some caves too.

Weekend lifeguard cover in April. Full lifeguard cover from the 5th of May until the 30th of September. Weekend lifeguard cover in October and full cover from the 20th-28th of October (2018).

Gwithian provides consistent, quality waves suitable for all surfing abilities. It conveniently gets gradually bigger the further towards Godrevy you go - so you can find a wave to suit your ability. On a good day expect long walling lefts and rights with the possiblility of a few barrels thrown in at low tide. Optimum conditions are medium sized north coast swell and southerly round to easterly winds (south east is directly offshore).

Sand chairs are provided by Cornwall Mobility in partnership with Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Please note: Dogs are welcome on this beach except between 1 May and 30 September (08:00am - 07:00pm) when a seasonal dog ban is in place between Ceres Rock and Red River. This boundary has been adjusted following the collapse of the steps at St Peters Point which left the area where dogs were allowed inaccessible.